A “must-do” for any visitor to South Africa, game drives provide the perfect opportunity to observe African wildlife in their natural habitat. There are not many places in the world such as this where one is treated to such a variety of animal and birdlife, each one beautiful, unique and perfectly adapted to its environment.

Founders Lodge offers daily game drives to spot Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) as well as 5 of the 7 biomes of South Africa, which allows for a large concentration and variety of wildlife.

Daily game drives with professional guides provide countless sightings of diurnal (daytime) animals, while the more elusive nocturnal animals are discovered during the early evening drives. Sundowner drinks at sunset and coffee/tea at sunrise add an extra special touch.

Qualified guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of tracking, as well as identifying birds, insects and plants. These walks are restricted to the 400 hectare Founders Reserve, which is free of predators and dangerous animals, to allow for more freedom of movement.

Conservation of animals and the environment is pivotal at all Mantis Collection properties. Founders Lodge is no different. It is the safe house for a crash of white rhinos. You are welcome to help with the supplementary feeding of the rhino and assist to record and monitor the health and wellbeing of these endangered species. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a difference while learning more about these magnificent creatures.

Mantis Founders Lodge is the ideal base for a family holiday with the Founders Lodge Kids Conservation Warriors programme, which includes a Bear Grylls Survival Academy experience, taking young survivors on a journey of dynamic self-rescue to find out if they have what it takes to survive the wild!

Families can enjoy tranquility away from the city and be reminded of the pristine beauty of the natural world, right in the heart of a wildlife concession. This is an unforgettable experience and with bespoke activities tailored to each guest, no holiday is the same.

Bear Grylls, well-known adventurer and television personality, shares Mantis’ passion for education, evidenced by our newly launched Bear Grylls Survival Academy experience at Founders Lodge.
This dynamic self-rescue activity invites young adventurers to learn some of Bear’s key survival techniques before putting them to the test!
In just two hours, the aspiring survivors will learn just what it takes to survive in the wild and they will return to the lodge with an experience they won’t soon forget!

With the art of tracking perhaps being the oldest science, it innately captures our imagination, fuels our curiosity and inspires the urge to interpret the stories left in the sand.

Our guests are invited to join our expert Guides to learn about the plethora of tracks and signs that our wildlife leave behind. Holding evidence of signs from the smallest insect to our largest animals and everything in between, the land is our bush-newspaper where we can interpret the daily bush news of what’s been happening while nobody was looking.

Introducing the Wildlife Photography Haven at Founders Lodge by Mantis.

Elevate your wildlife photography experience to new heights at Founders Lodge by Mantis, the iconic birthplace of conservation in the Eastern Cape! We're thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of our latest gem—a sunken photographic hide that promises to redefine your journey through the lens.

As the world's fascination with wildlife photography and filmmaking soars, Founders Lodge is committed to delivering unparalleled experiences to guests who crave capturing the raw beauty of the natural world. Our brand-new photographic hide caters to the modern explorer who always carries a camera, turning every moment into a masterpiece and sharing stunning visuals with the global community.

Immerse yourself in the heart of our reserve, accessed through a 35-meter underground tunnel, emerging at a watering hole surrounded by wildlife, including rhino, giraffe, zebra, sable, and a myriad of bird species. This exclusive attraction is rapidly becoming the go-to spot for both professional and amateur photographers alike.

Designed by Nelis Wolmarans, a renowned wildlife photographer, our hide embodies the essence of sustainable tourism, culture, and conservation. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape's diverse ecosystems, it promises an intimate and awe-inspiring experience for our cherished guests.